FLEP-COOP Initiative

Introducing FLEP-COOP Mentorship Program 2024-2025

About FLEP – COOP Initiative 

FLEP-Coop is a mentorship program for Female Leaders in Co-operative organizations in Kenya.  

The mentorship program is an activity under the DGRV* Project in Kenya which is financed by BMZ* from 2024 – 2026.  

FLEP-Coop is supported by the State Department of Co-operatives, co-operative organizations around the Country and project partners of DGRV Kenya.  

The 1st cohort of FLEP-Coop runs from June 2024 to December 2025. 

During that period 12 aspiring female co-operative leaders will be mentored by experienced female co-operative leaders to grow in their roles – professionally and personally.  

The mentees, between 18 and 40 years old, were competitively selected on an application basis. They have diverse co-operative backgrounds and are from 6 different parts of the Country.  

Guidance for the mentees is provided in monthly mentoring sessions by female mentors who are themselves showcasing success in co-operative leadership throughout their own career paths.    

Women Leaders in Co-operatives 

The United Nations acknowledge the disadvantages women and girls are still experiencing in personal and professional contexts.  

Under SDG* 5 – Target 5.5. the following target is set:  

“Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life” 

Whilst only 30% of the members in co-operatives are women, the female participation in co-operative leadership is even lower. Research proves that if women have equal access to the resources needed, they produce 20 – 30% more compared to men. Women also reinvest 90% of the money back in society and families whereas men only reinvest about half of that.  

These effects can be promoted better when women are leaders and enhance their fellowship among women. On community level, co-operatives are great incubators for that.

Objectives of FLEP- COOP 

• Analyze the factors contributing to gender disparity in co-op leadership 

• Identify opportunities for increasing female representation in co-operative leadership.  

• Raise awareness about the various ways women can contribute through active engagement in Co-operatives. 

• Facilitate networking opportunities. 

• Provide a safe space for women to discuss their leadership ambitions, experiences and needs. 

• Foster discrimination free dialogue between with Co-operative policymakers and women.  

• Design working spaces for women in leadership positions in Co-operatives which combine family and career. 

• Building Leadership confidence among the mentees. 

• Promote the social and entrepreneurial benefits an increased female leadership in co-ops has.  

• Articulate feasible ways to increase women’s willingness to be elected leaders in co-ops.   

Why FLEP?

FLEP-COOP is the DGRV Kenya mentorship program dedicated to empowering and advancing women leaders in Co-operatives. The program is supported by primary, secondary and Governmental stakeholders of the Co-operative sector in Kenya.  We strengthen leadership skills, promote diversity and inclusion, and drive positive change in the mentees and the co–operative organizations and the communities they represent. 

Helping Women to Rise  

Together with the FLEP-Coop Mentors, experienced female Co-operative leaders, we grant women the support and skills to discover their leadership potentials and navigate through challenging experiences. The Mentees are being equipped with tools to ensure women have equal opportunities in Co-operative set-ups, to advance freely and feel valued in their organizations. 

Building more inclusive organizations 

Co-operatives are enterprises born in Communities, yet in Kenya they often fail to equally include all members of the society in their membership leave alone leadership. FLEP-Coop is aiming at educating the Mentees about the various ways women can get involved in Co-operatives and influence decision making on community level. We bring female co-operatives and policy makers together to raise awareness about the disadvantages women still experience in Co-operative environments. .